Overview
The Dalles is a city in Oregon situated in the Columbia Gorge about 85 miles east of Portland.
6 sights · 2 things to do · 2 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about The Dalles
Fort Dalles Museum
Old military artifacts and medical equipment.
The Dalles Dam
A hydroelectric dam, which produces enough electricity to serve a city the size of Seattle. Tour and Visitor's Center.
Columbia Hills State Park
A Washington state park on the Columbia River's north bank, under Horsethief Butte. A short ways north-east of The Dalles. Previously known as Horsethief Falls State Park.
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum
Old St. Peter's Landmark
A former Catholic church built in Gothic Revival style, and saved from demolition in 1971.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 36°F. Wettest: Dec and Nov. (climate data from nearby Portland)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PDX Portland International Airport, Portland — 68 mi away (major hub). Directions
- YKM Yakima Air Terminal McAllister Field, Yakima — 73 mi away. Directions
The Dalles is located at the intersection of Interstate 84 (which follows the Columbia River) and US Route 197 which heads south from the Dalles to meet US Route 97.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Fort Dalles Museum, Old St. Peter's Landmark, Granada Theater
- Lunch Casa El Mirador
- Afternoon The Dalles Dam, Columbia Hills State Park
- Dinner Lilo's Hawaiian BBQ
- Evening Sunshine Mill Winery
Day 2
- Morning Cottonwood Canyon State Park
- Afternoon National Neon Sign Museum
- Evening Baldwin Saloon
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
The Dalles is located at the intersection of Interstate 84 (which follows the Columbia River) and US Route 197 which heads south from the Dalles to meet US Route 97.
See
Do
- Windsurfing
- Fishing
- Boating
- Hiking
- Cliff Jumping
- Biking
- Swimming
Buy
Eat
Eat Casa El Mirador
It is an authentic Mexican restaurant that is one of the best places in The Dalles to go for a meal or a refreshing drink at their bar.
Drink
Sleep
Nearby
Dufur
City / town · 11 listings · 11 mi away
Hood River
City / town · 14 listings · 18 mi away
Mount Hood
City / town · 7 listings · 19 mi away
Goldendale
City / town · 10 listings · 23 mi away
Cascade Locks
City / town · 12 listings · 34 mi away
Government Camp
City / town · 2 listings · 35 mi away
Stevenson
City / town · 27 listings · 35 mi away
Washougal
City / town · 15 listings · 56 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.